Fidel Ortiz, 78, of Friona, Texas, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Amarillo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 17, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, with Celebrant Grant Spinhirne officiating. Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery.
Viewing will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the funeral home, with a rosary beginning at 6:00 PM. Arrangements and services have been entrusted to Mendez and Mullins Family Funeral Home of Hereford, Texas.
Fidel was born on April 24, 1948, in Charlotte, Texas, to Justino and Hortencia (Alaniz) Ortiz. He had been a resident of Friona, Texas, since 1979. Fidel graduated from Hart High School in 1968 and, shortly afterward, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1969 to 1972.
Fidel met and married the woman God chose for him, Mary Cardenas, on April 14, 1974, in Dimmitt, Texas. United in faith and love, they built a beautiful life together and were blessed with a wonderful family.
For many years, Fidel faithfully farmed the land, embracing the values of hard work, perseverance, and stewardship that defined his life.
Fidel enjoyed spending time outdoors. He loved camping, hunting, fishing, and tending to his vegetable garden. He generously donated many of his vegetables to groups, organizations, friends, and family. He also enjoyed playing horseshoes, washers, and Phase 10, as well as collecting coins and pocketknives.
Above all, Fidel treasured family gatherings and barbecue cookouts. His presence and laughter will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Mary Ortiz of Friona, Texas; his sons, Steven Ortiz and wife Amy of Odessa, Texas, Nicholas Ortiz and wife Carmen of Canyon, Texas, and Michael Ortiz and wife Laura of Carrollton, Texas; eight grandchildren, Meaghan Ortiz, Simon Ortiz, Matthew Ortiz, Madison Ortiz, Alexis Ortiz, Xavier Ortiz, Madeline Ortiz, and Maya Ortiz; and two great-grandchildren, Waylon Ortiz and Grayson Drescher.
Fidel is also survived by his siblings, Beatrice Fuentes and husband Ramon of Dimmitt, Texas, Justino Ortiz Jr. of Dimmitt, Texas, Carlos Ortiz and wife Lupe of Amarillo, Texas, Eusebio Ortiz of Canyon, Texas, and Mary Elizabeth Esquivel of Lubbock, Texas.
Fidel was preceded in death by his parents, Justino and Hortencia Ortiz.
You may sign the online guestbook at www.mendezandmullins.com.